4 Fixes for iPhone’s Hotspot Not Showing on Windows 11

Paurush dabbles around iOS and Mac while his close encounters are with Android and Windows. Before becoming a writer, he produced videos for brands like Mr. Phone and Digit. On weekends, he is a full-time cinephile trying to reduce his never-ending watchlist, often making it longer.

Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Turn on Maximize Compatibility in iPhone Hotspot Settings

Since the Windows platform is outside the Apple ecosystem, enable Maximize Compatibility for your iPhone Hotspot.

OpenSettings>Personal Hotspot> enableMaximize Compatibility.

Tip:You should also enable the toggle forAllow Other to Join.

Fix 2: Disable Randomize MAC Address on Windows 11 PC

This feature prevents location tracking while using public Wi-Fi networks. Your Windows 11 PC assigns a random Mac address to enable the same.

OpenSettings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi > Turn off Randomize MAC Address.

Fix 3: Turn on Allow Bluetooth Devices to Find This PC

Another way to increase compatibility and quickly connect your PC to iPhone Hotspot is by turning on this feature.

OpenSettings > Bluetooth and devices > View more devices > More Bluetooth settings > Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC.

Fix 4: Reset Network Settings

If the troubleshooting solutions above didn’t help, tryresetting the Networkon your Windows 11 computer. Note that this will remove all your network customizations and set them to default. Yes, that means you must configure some of it again.

OpenSettings > Network and internet > Advanced network settings >clickonNetwork reset under More Settings > Reset now >chooseYes to confirm.

Your PC will now restart. Once you see the home screen, check whether your iPhone hotspot is showing up.

Alternative: Connect Your iPhone to Windows PC via USB

If none of the steps worked till now, your last resort is to connect your iPhone to the Windows PC via USB cable. We recommend usingApple’s official USB cable. While third-party cables would work, they can be unreliable. Also, you must download and install iTunes on your PC.

Afterdownloading iTunes, sign in with your Apple ID. Then, connect your iPhone to your Windows PC.

Step 1:OpenSettings > Personal Hotspot >enableAllow Others to JoinandMaximize Compatibility.

Step 2: Connect your iPhonewith the Windows 11 PC via the USB cable. Keep your iPhone screen turned on during this process.

If you use a third-party USB cable, iTunes might not recognize your iPhone and stop tethering.

Step 3:OpeniTuneson your Windows 11 PC.

Step 4:Tap onTrustin the pop-up on youriPhone screen.

Step 5:OpenSettingson Windows 11 and click onNetwork & Internet>Ethernet.

Step 6:Click onSign Innext to the Ethernet network name for iPhone Hotspot.

After your Windows PC connects to the iPhone Hotspot over USB, it’ll show Connected under the network name.

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Last updated on 02 July, 2024

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